Ørsted secures solar energy contract under Irish RESS 5 onshore auction

Ørsted has today secured a 109 MW solar contract in the Irish Government’s fifth onshore renewable energy support scheme (RESS5) auction. The approved project is a solar development in Lodgewood, Wexford. A total of 18 solar projects were cleared in the auction, at an average strike price of EUR 98.81 per MWh.  

Lodgewood is Ørsted's third solar project in three consecutive years to be awarded a government contract. Subject to final investment decision, the development is expected to be operational in 2028. 

Commenting on the auction result, TJ Hunter, VP Onshore Ireland and UK, said: 

“At 109 MW, Lodgewood marks our biggest solar development in Ireland to date with capacity to generate enough renewable power for over 34,000 homes, equal to every second home in County Wexford. In addition to Lodgewood, we currently have two solar farms under construction, and a strong near-term pipeline of solar at over 800 MW.

If we are to ultimately achieve a secure energy supply for Ireland, solar energy is a fundamental piece of the jigsaw. We will continue to look at opportunities for solar projects in Ireland to help the government achieve its 2030 target of 8 GW of solar energy.”

Lodgewood Solar Farm incorporates a community benefit fund of up to EUR 290,000 per annum once operational, and 20% of the site will be set aside for biodiversity measures. Earlier this year, Ørsted was also granted planning permission for a 72 MW 5-hour battery system positioned adjacent to the consented solar farm.

Ørsted has a strong presence in solar technology across Ireland, with projects under construction in Garreenleen in Carlow and Ballinrea, Cork. Both are expected to be fully operational by 2026.

In addition, Ørsted has 20 operational wind developments across the island of Ireland, generating enough clean energy to power the equivalent of 250,000 homes.

For further information please contact:
Sarah Thatt-Foley
Public Affairs & Communications Lead
083 156 5690 / sarfo@orsted.com